Husband Here - Looking For Help

My wife and I have been trying to conceive for about 17 months. After about 9 TTC months without luck we decided to start educating ourselves and began charting, timing etc.

I went and had my sperm tested and the results were very good, no issue here.

After charting my wife's cycle for the last 8 months, she is very consistent. Almost every month she sees a temperature shift around day 16 (which is a day after the 'pee-on-a-stick' is postive). Also, she gets here period almost always 9-10 days after ovulations.

From what I see, everything looks normal except for a short leutal phase, and she is experiencing problems with lack of cervical mucous.

Needless to say each month is becoming harder and more emotional. I feel like we have done a lot of research and we just need the next step.

We have looked at fertility clinics website in our area (Toronto). But I think that may be jumping the gun a bit, and perhaps we should see a Gynecologist first (just means finding one somehow).

Nice to see a man on the boards! Im so sorry to hear that you have been trying for so long. Im from the UK so think that things might work slightly differently... I would defo see if her GP can refer you on to a Gynae, they might know a good one.

Her charts do sound like she is Ovulating which is a good thing All though everything is pointing in the right direction... the Gynae will want to do tests to check her ovary reserves, progestrone levels and an Ultra sound. Sperm test for you to check youre all in order.

I hope that Ive helped in someway! I would post this in the LTTC section, you might get more help there.

Not sure I can help (bit out of my league of experience), just didn't want to read and run. I have read lots of posts about women taking herbal supplements to try and extend the Luteal phase ... someone will be able to tell you what that is.

I've also seen lots of posts about using 'pre-seed' to help with cm, again know nothing about it.

there are things that can help. here is a thread i just bumped up for you. there is LOTS of info so try not to get overwhelmed with it. there is also some good advice on lengthening the LP and increasing cm.

Here is some info from the book "Taking Charge of your Fertility" in regard to luteal phase problems:
"1.The luteal phase is too short, which means your unterine lining starts to shed in the form of menstruation before the fertilized egg has had a chance to implant. This condition is the easiest to detect through charting (anything under 10 days would be considered a serious problem, but for some women even 10 or 11 days is considered borderline)."
"2. The lutela phase appears to be normal length, but the amount of progesterone is not optimal to produce an ideal unterine environment for implantation."
"3. The luteal phase appears normal, but the progesterone starts to dramatically drop just a week or so after ovulation, often causing premenstrual spotting. Again, the progesterone is not high enough to produce an ideal uterine environment for implantation."

"If you are diagnosed with a luteal phase probelm there are several steps you may want to explore before relying on traditional medical remedy of clomid, progesterone supplementation, or HCG injections. One is to have your prolactin tested, because an elevated level can lead to a luteal phase inadequacy." (pg178-179)

Hopefully this provides you some idea of what may be going on and what to expect. I would definitely go to see a gyno first. That way they can help eliminate potential problems off the list and recommend the next course of action. Because you are charting you likely have an idea of what the problem is. But be careful because clomid can help it can also cause cm to dry up. Its one of those catch 22's. There is some mention of taking B6 supplements but again speak to your doctor first as B6 in too high of levels can be toxic.

Hi Detox, from what you've said about your wives cycle, it looks like she might have Luteal Phase Defect, which is basically a shortened phase - ideally, it needs to be between 12-16 days, as this helps the egg to implant. Lengthening the LP can be done by taking Evening Primrose Oil, as well as vitamin B6. As for the mucus, taking two teaspoons of Robitussin (Guafenisen (sp) variety only), twice daily at least five days before ovulation, can help in producing sperm friendly egg white CM - it is a decongestant which helps to thin mucus - she must take it with a glass of water. Additionally, drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day will help. Also, cut out caffeine - this doesn't just affect growing babies, and can impact on fertility.One thing I would suggest is definitely get the docs - not sure how old you are, but if you are over 30 its time to get some professional opinions.
Going to get a check over, might help alleviate some stress - I am sure that having a positive SA for you has left her with doubts about her abilities to conceive, and the doc will help reassure her.

All the best to both of you, she's a lucky lady, and you sir, are a gentleman.

I dont have any advice for you as I am TTC #1 as well and there's still so much to learn and discover about the process. But its good to see a man like you in the forum. You are obviously a very caring and loving husband.

I'm from the USA so although our health care system is different, I can tell you what I did. It sounds like she doesn't have a gynecologist.... I found one by going on to the website of my Health Insurance and looked for dr. that was affiliated with a big hospital around here. From there, I found a small clinic close to my house and read reviews on it on Google but you can also purchase a report from www.healthgrades.com Or, find a forum in your area because those recommendations are priceless.

Just for the record, I'm 32 and don't have any kids yet. My gyn. told me to come back and see her after 3 months of trying and she can run a few preliminary tests. It's been 5 months and I haven't gone to her yet.

Hi there. After 17 months I would def be looking for a referral. Anything over ttc for 1 year could be considered sub fertile and I would be looking for further investigation. I see you are in Canada, and things may be different but I would be wanting a referral to a fertility specialist ASAP, not a gynacologist, who is more general.

i didnt want to read and run, but I would certainly say get a referal! In the UK, trying for one year is enough to get help!

I would also like to add, im very impressed that you wrote here, and the superb understanding you have too....I dont think my hubby would have a clue what Ovulation is let alone Luteal phase defects!!! ;-) Im sure he thinks you just babydance and they appear some time after that!!!

I have been taking Evening Primrose oil for a few months now and it definitely has helped me in that area...also as people have mentioned...use Pre-seed...it helps a lot too! BUT for your sake, i'll tell you my husband's thoughts on the pre-seed....he doesnt like it a whole lot....I started by using the recommended dosage on the instructions and it was way too much...he said (TMI sorry) it felt too slippery and there was no friction for him....so when/if you do use it...have her start out with what seems too much and then adjust down to what is good for you as you want to enjoy the BD'ing too!!

Oh and I 100% agree....it's great to have a husband on here and im very touched by your concern....